Hardy also says he thinks that there should be a change in emphasis for the technical requirement, which requires HRDC members to assist with technical work on a show every semester. In his opinion, it should be oriented towards giving real training, in order to help lighten the burden placed on the experience technical staff members. “I think tech req should be more of a mentoring program, so that if you were to tech req light design for one or two shows, you’re at the light board with the light designer, looking at how they’re plugging cues in, you’re working with them that week, so that it’s less of a ‘I’m not a part of this show, I’m just doing this as a requirement, I’ll screw some things, and that’s that’ [kind of] thing.”

THE SHOWS MUST GO ON

The recent flood of passion into the performing arts is exciting, and rather than abating, seems to be increasing among new Harvardians. “It seems like there is a move [toward] a lot of younger directors applying for space,” Kiley says. This statement is borne out by the large number of sophomore-directed shows, as well as three freshman-directed shows (not including the annual freshman musical), going up this semester.

It remains to be seen what specific measures the theater community will take to adjust to its increased size and activity. But one thing that appears certain is that the upsurge in theatrical activity witnessed this semester will not flag anytime soon. According to Kiley, an imminent academic change is poised to encourage continuing growth in the theater community. “I think [the] trend toward more theater on campus [may also be occurring] because the dramatic arts department is introducing a concentration sometime in the next few years,” Kiley says. “I’m not exactly sure how that will affect the theater scene at all, but it seems that there are more classes being offered, just more excitement on campus about theater in general.”

While the challenges posed by it are numerous, the growth of theater at Harvard is a phenomenon poised to push the bounds of art-making at the college. Student ingenuity and inventiveness has marked this growing period so far and may well continue into the future. The vigorous increase in interest during this transitional period is bound to result in dramatic changes. But the shows will go on—more of them than ever before.

—Staff writer Jude D. Russo '16 can be reached at jude.russo@thecrimson.com.